Theater review: PCPA’s ‘Art’ is well worth a look

What is art? What makes something a work of art, imbued with meaning, and not merely a decorative item?

What is friendship, and what is the difference between a close bond and an intimate acquaintance?

Should friendship, like art, provoke discussion and inspire actions? Or should both friendship and art maintain an “I know what I like and I like what I know” comfort zone?

PCPA’s newest production, the Tony Award-winning play “Art” by Yasima Reza asks, and attempts to answer, all these questions.

Serge, one of Marc’s two best friends, has spent an exorbitant sum of money for a white-on-white painting. Marc disparages his choice and tries to enlist another friend, Yvan, as an ally in a discussion of the painting, which evolves into a debate about the nature of art and friendship.

Director Erik Stein skillfully uses the study of a work of art to closely examine their friendship and, in art historic terms, its construction and potential restoration. He asks the important question, “Is any unexamined friendship worth having?”

Omar Ricks as Serge and Actors' Equity members and visiting artists Richard Gallegos as Yvan and Peter S. Hadres as Marc, bring out Reza’s razor wit and social commentary with impeccable comedic timing and acting skill.

In all of this, the audience is placed in a fourth role of viewer and critic of the painting, and of uncomfortable voyeur of the growing rift between the three men.

The intimate Severson Theatre enhances this link between audience and actors, who even directly address the audience as participants.

We find ourselves asking if we side with Serge, the modern art idealist, or the more pragmatic Marc, or possibly Yvan, who, wanting to please everyone, waffles between the two.

Emotions erupt as Serge insists in feeling good about his purchase, Yvan wants to be happy for him, and Marc cuts Serge down to size, with Yvan’s backing, which ultimately blows up in Yvan’s face when the other two gang up on him.

Reza’s characters ultimately come to stand for the various levels of how one approaches art and friendship. Gallegos as Yvan sums it all up in the poignant observation: “Nothing beautiful was ever created through rational argument.”

PCPA, through its remarkable director and cast, continues to maintain a level of theatrical experience that, in my history as a former Los Angeles theater-goer, rivals many “professional” productions.

Go for a viewing of “Art” and expect to laugh, think and perhaps empathize. In Stein’s and company’s able hands, the play is truly a work of “Art.”

HOW TO SEE 'ART'

n PCPA Theaterfest presents the Tony Award-winning play “Art” at the Severson Theatre on the Santa Maria Hancock College campus.

n Showtimes are 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. This show contains adult language and is not be appropriate for children. Theater latecomers will not be seated.

n Tickets are $16.25 to $26; students $10.25 to $17.75; senior discounts available. Information: 922-8313 or www.pcpa.org.